Media Release on August 21, 1999

[caroline@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Media Release 45/99
August 21, 1999 

High School Students staging demonstrations in Burma

Seven high school students who led recent demonstrations in their respective
school compounds are supposed to be dismissed. Widespread concern saying the
possible closure of all schools around the country as pre-emptive measure
against potential 9999 movement is growing among the students and parents.
Tightening control has been increasing in school areas of Rangoon.

The high school students from Basic Education High School ( BEHS ) No. 1 and 5
have launched the demonstrations since 19 August' 99 in Tamwe township of
Rangoon, the capital of Burma. In the morning of 19 August '99, the
students of
BEHS No. 1 Tamwe were shouting slogans, using the fire crackers and
striking on
the desks as a protest reaction to the presence of   Dr. Khin Win Shwe, the
wife of Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, who visited there. Students of BEHS No 5 Tamwe
also joined with them and sang the pro-democracy  songs. The slogans were
complaining expensive extra tuition fees, shortage  of educational facilities
such as text books, excessive extortions, daily economic hardship and calling
for upcoming 9999. Moreover, the students attempted to go to the BEHS No. 2
Tamwe so that they could organize township-wide high student protest.
Regarding
to this protest, Dr. Khin Win Shwe scolded the teachers and the authority gave
order to put the security measures into higher gear in school compounds. The
teachers have been given instruction to guard the schools in even night
times. 

The seven students were temporarily detained and handed over to their parents
after intimidating them with the possible dismiss. They are Soe Thet Oo and
Lin
Lin Htun from 10th standard and Nyi Nyi Aung, Aung thu, Hlaing Moe Oo, Pyea
Phyo
Win and Kyaw Thi Ha from 9th standard.

" Authorities forced us to put harsh controls on students instead of teaching
duty. I feel the role I play in school compound is much more like as a
security
guard than a teacher. They divide between students and teachers by creation of
tensions and conflicts."  Rangoon-resided a high school teacher who
declined to
identify herself said.



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All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF)
P.O. Box 42, Hua Mark P.O, Bangkapi, 10243, Bangkok
<caroline@xxxxxxxxxxxx> <lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>